Exhibitions

Madeline in New York: The Art of Ludwig Bemelmans

To celebrate the 75th anniversary of Madeline’s publication, the New-York Historical Society honors the beloved schoolgirl and her creator Ludwig Bemelmans with an exhibition of more than 90 original artworks.

In addition to drawings from all six Madeline books, the exhibition will also feature Bemelmans' drawings of the old Ritz Hotel in New York, murals from a rediscovered Paris bistro, panels from the Onassis yacht, and a cache of fabrics based on an early picture book.

This exhibition was organized by The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Amherst, Massachusetts. Support for Madeline in New York: The Art of Ludwig Bemelmans has been generously provided by Mr. and Mrs. Charles M. Royce and The Walton Family Foundation.

Madeline in New York: The Art of Ludwig Bemelmans Family Audio Guide
Available at all times in the exhibition
Ages 4 and up

Visitors of all ages will travel through the exhibition hearing stories about author and illustrator Ludwig Bemelmans. Kids can learn more about their favorite characters Madeline and Pepito the “Bad Hat” and discover many new Bemelmans characters, like Marina the seal and Noodle the dog. Listeners will discover how Bemelmans was inspired by big and small events in his own life, and by the cities he lived in. Narrated by Broadway actor and director Terrence Mann, the guide directs children through the exhibition and encourages close looking and creative responses. This audio guide includes music, sound effects, and an incredible 1954 recording of Mr. Bemelmans reflecting on his inspiration for Madeline.

Stop 2: Ludwig Bemelmans in New York Visit the exhibition to hear more!